Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever.Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems—and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail’s reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something—and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.With a quirky, unforgettable heroine and a pulse-pounding plotline, Nora Roberts presents a riveting new read that cements her place as today’s most reliably entertaining thriller author—and will leave people hungering for more.Wow, just wow!! Her 200th book and a great one it is!!!!Usually I pick and chose my Nora Roberts books depending on the synopsis but the last couple of years I’ve really enjoyed some of the differences in her writing style. I absolutely adored The Search. I am a die hard fan of her In Death Series and hope and pray it doesn’t end for a very long time. Having said all that, The Witness is an outstanding addition to her work.The story of Abigail Lowery just flows. There is no other way to describe it. Poor Abigail does make one small mistake; she decides to hide out in a small Arkansas town in the Ozarks. Her secretiveness keeps attracting more interest than she wants. The town sheriff, Brooks Gleason, is curious and intrigued. I’m talking in circles here, I know it. There are so many things happening all through the novel, I absolutely don’t want to give any spoilers.Brooks and his family are are so very well written and Abigail’s dog, Bert, is a star attraction. But Abigail, Abigail is just indescribable. As a matter of fact, the only way I could describe her is she reminds me of the character, Temperance Brennan in Bones. Socially awkward and smart. Brooks plays off her character seamlessly.This part just made me think of men and their mothers. It’s a conversation Brooks has with his mother after she first goes to see Abigail.

(Brooks) …”You…petted that big-ass monster dog?”
(His Mom) “She told it in French it was all right. He was very sweet. He’s devoted to her, I could see that. Never strayed more than two feet away. He’s a very good dog, and I’m sure a fine companion. But that girl needs a friend. Now, I’ve got to run by the store and pick up some things. I want to try this recipe she gave me.”
“Ma, I don’t want you going over there until I know more”
“Brooks”
He was thirty-two years old, and that tone, that look, could still make his balls shrink to marbles”….